Music legend’s son hits county

A just-released biographical film has put soul music legend James Brown back in the public spotlight.

But an upcoming local appearance by his son, musician and author Daryl Brown, aims to set the record straight.

Daryl Brown, a former member of his late father’s touring band, will discuss and sign copies of his new book, “Inside the Godfather, Never-Before-Told Stories of James Brown by His Inner Circle,” at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Blue Frog Books in Genoa Township.

“I’ve read it, and there’s a lot of things you wouldn’t know about James Brown unless you did,” shop owner Rob Vedro said.

Although the new film “Get On Up” focuses on James Brown’s music and the controversies that surrounded his life, Daryl Brown’s writing focuses on his late father’s status as a civil-rights activist.

In one instance, James Brown allowed a Boston concert to be televised locally in an effort to stem rioting in the wake of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

As Soul Brother No. 1 — one of his many nicknames — James Brown also advocated for black education and empowerment and for an end to inner-city violence.

Daryl Brown’s appearance represents the first national author’s book signing at Blue Frog, which opened in February at 3615 E. Grand River Ave. in the Grand River Plaza. For more on the store, see http://www.bluefrogbooksandmore.com.

“We have featured a number of local authors,” Vedro said. “There are a lot of people here with interesting stories to tell.”